"Challenges and Potential in Deir Ezzor's Beekeeping Sector"
Introduction: Beekeeping is on the rise in eastern Deir Ezzor governorate, particularly in areas under the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES). The region's rich agricultural areas and favorable climate make it an ideal location for beekeeping. However, this promising industry faces challenges, with natural pests affecting the hives. Surprisingly, there is a lack of measures to assist beekeepers, despite the significant economic benefits this sector offers to the region.
Pests and Their Impact: The spread of Merops (Bee Eaters) and rodents, particularly mice, presents a significant challenge to beekeeping in the region. Beekeepers are calling for support that includes providing dispersers and medicines to combat these pests, thereby reducing the difficulties they face.
Health Monitoring for Bees: An anonymous agricultural engineer specializing in beekeeping emphasized the importance of regular and continuous health monitoring of bee colonies. This approach helps detect diseases or pests that may harm the bees. Early identification allows for preventive or remedial measures to ensure the hives' health.
Bee Product Quality and Market Potential: Bee products are in high demand in the local market, with the price of a kilo of "Sidr" honey reaching 160,000 Syrian pounds (about $12). This reflects the exceptional quality of the product. Increasing production and expanding the local market can contribute to higher revenues and open the door to exporting Syrian bee products.
The Beekeepers' Efforts: Currently, there are five apiaries in al-Baghouz, owned by dedicated beekeepers like Riyad al-Ahmad and Ali al-Abdallah. Al-Abdallah spoke about the challenges they face and the need for apiary development to enhance productivity and profitability.
Lack of Support Amid Economic Importance: Despite the significant economic support offered by the beekeeping sector, it remains underserved, similar to other regions affected by Syria's ongoing challenges. The areas controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), known for their oil wells and agricultural activity, are no exception. The absence of support stands in contrast to the potential of beekeeping to improve living conditions.
The Role of Experience and Tools: Al-Abdallah highlighted the significance of experience, tools, and hive boxes, emphasizing the impact of climate, especially during spring and summer. While beekeepers in the region are not required to obtain licenses, the lack of available resources and support hampers the sector's growth. Collaborating with specialized organizations can pave the way for improved production and increased revenues.
The Importance of Climate in Deir Ezzor: Deir Ezzor governorate combines a desert climate with agricultural land conditions. This unique climate presents an ideal environment for beekeeping, offering a significant opportunity for sustainable projects. The well-being of bees in this region depends on placing hives in protected locations, providing food during winter, and meticulous attention to the honey collection process.
Impact of War on Beekeeping: Engineer Iyad Daboul, President of the Arab Beekeepers Union, Syria Branch, highlighted the adverse effects of the war on the beekeeping sector. The number of beehives in Syria significantly decreased from 630,000 to less than 200,000 hives. This decline in production and the bee sector resulted from difficulties in transporting hives to various pastures and the impact of war on the industry.
Rebuilding the Beekeeping Sector: Despite these challenges, positive interventions and collective efforts between the Ministry of Agriculture, the Syrian and Arab Beekeepers Union, and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) have helped restore part of the beekeeping sector's pre-war status.
In conclusion, the beekeeping sector in Deir Ezzor has the potential to thrive, offering economic benefits and sustainable opportunities, but it requires support to overcome the challenges it faces.
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